Thermonuclear fusion involves atoms fusing together. Thermonuclear fusion requires immense pressure and heat.
- There are two forms of thermonuclear fusion:
- Uncontrolled fusion, in which the resulting energy is released in an uncontrolled way, as it is in thermonuclear weapons (“hydrogen bombs”) and in most stars.
- Controlled fusion, where the reaction takes place in an environment allowing some or all of the energy released to be harnessed for constructive purposes.